Modern glass office building reflecting palm trees and blue sky at Wilshire intersection with blurred car motion.

Spotlight: David Pietig, ASA, CEA, Managing Senior Appraiser

In the complex world of asset valuation, understanding the nuances of specialized industries is paramount.

That's why we're thrilled to shine a spotlight on David Pietig, our Managing Senior Appraiser and a leading expert in plastics and machinery & equipment. With decades of dedicated experience, David offers invaluable insights into a field that often goes misunderstood.

Close-up view of numerous small, blue translucent plastic components densely packed together.

Close-up of a 3D printer in operation with orange components and a digital screen in a workshop setting

Rows of clear plastic water bottles with white caps arranged closely together on a surface.

Close-up of colorful plastic construction toy pieces with various shapes and connectors in red, blue, green, and purple.

DAVID PIETIG, ASA, CEA: MANAGING SENIOR APPRAISER AND LEADING EXPERT IN PLASTICS AND MACHINERY & EQUIPMENT

When you hear "plastics," your mind might jump to everyday products. But for David, it's all about the sophisticated machinery that brings these products to life. This precise focus allows him to provide highly accurate and specialized valuations.

His journey into this niche began after 28 years at a used plastics machinery company, where he frequently interacted with appraisers. This hands-on experience sparked a desire to delve deeper into the appraisal side of the business, ultimately leading him to become the expert he is today.

BEYOND THE MISCONCEPTIONS: THE CRITICAL ROLE OF PLASTICS

One of the biggest misconceptions David encounters is the widespread "anti-plastics" sentiment. "A lot of people are anti-plastics on some level or say that plastics are bad. We need plastics and couldn't live without it," he asserts. He emphasizes that the key to addressing environmental concerns lies in recycling, not outright rejection. As an example, he notes that a recycled plastic bag is often more eco-friendly than a paper bag, despite common perceptions.

NAVIGATING INDUSTRY TRENDS AND CHALLENGES

David is not just an appraiser; he's a forward-thinker keenly aware of the industry's evolving landscape. He's particularly excited about the potential of chemical recycling becoming financially viable on a large scale. This passion stems from a significant industry challenge: the low percentage of recycled plastics, despite much of it being recyclable. "Even though a lot of plastic is recyclable, only a very small percentage is actually recycled," he points out.

To stay at the forefront of his domain, David and his team rely on actual data and continuous conversations with dealers who buy and sell the equipment they value. Industries such as injection molding have subsets of equipment that take extra care in evaluating. The market for large injection molding machines is very different than the market for micro-molding machines. This commitment to real-time market insights ensures their valuations are always accurate and reflect the latest trends. Current news headlines, such as the price of oil, interest rates, tariffs, and new legislation, also play a significant role in his work, impacting the plastics industry and, by extension, equipment values.

MOTIVATED BY MENTORSHIP & APPRAISAL EXCELLENCE

David is enthusiastic about the opportunity he'll have to continue growing his team and cross training his colleagues. He enjoys sharing his knowledge on the plastics industry and all the considerations required to perform an appraisal.

His ultimate goal, and that of his division, is clear: "My division strives to give impartial and accurate information to our clients so they can make informed decisions."

LESSONS FROM THE TRIATHLON COURSE

Beyond his professional life, David is deeply involved in triathlon as a competitor, coach, and referee. This multi-faceted engagement in the sport offers valuable parallels to his work. "These various roles help me remember that there are various ways to approach an objective, and seeking a perspective other than your own is extremely valuable," he shares. It's this commitment to diverse perspectives and rigorous analysis that truly sets David apart.